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Cycle Cuba: West





Cycle Cuba’s rural roads to a white-sanded beach, a tobacco plantation and a limestone paradise
Want to know how it feels to ride alongside tractors and vintage cars, past tobacco farms and lush, limestone landscapes? Feel the Caribbean wind whip through your (helmet-covered) hair on this seven-day, two-wheeled journey in Cuba. You’ll discover the rich history and crumbling ruins of Old Havana as you peddle through the capital’s colourful streets. Cycle to the pristine shores of Cayo Jutias to cool-off from the heat and end a rewarding day in the saddle in Vinales with a farm-to-plate feast (with free rum!). From the flora and fauna-filled valleys of Soroa to the welcoming arms of renowned farmer Mama Luisa, take a ‘brake’ from the beaten path and access unique parts of the island that you can only reach on a bicycle.
4.9
31 reviewsStart: Havana, Cuba
End: Havana, Cuba
- Duration
- 7 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Cycling
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Experience Cuba’s dynamic scenery on two-wheels, from the decaying charm of Old Havana to the dramatic limestone landscapes of Vinales.
- Immerse yourself in everyday life as you bike on Cuban roads with local traffic, alongside tractors, vintage American cars, old Ladas and horse-drawn carriages.
- Enjoy a delicious farm-to-plate experience in a hilltop restaurant – the produce is 100% organic and locally grown – oh, and the rum is free!
- Top-off your Cuban experience at a tobacco plantation regarded as the world’s finest cigar manufacturer and witness a local farmer expertly roll an iconic Cuban ‘habana’.
- Stretch your legs along the pristine beaches of Cayo Jutias, where you can soak up some free time to flop and drop on the white sands or go for a refreshing dip in the Caribbean.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.
Itinerary
Bienvenido! Welcome to Cuba. To make your arrival a little bit easier, you’ll have a complimentary transfer from the airport to your accommodation (guesthouse) in Havana. Then, your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you might like to join the locals for a stroll past the fading facades along the oceanside Malecon or hire an open top vintage American car and cruise the streets and boulevards of Havana. After the meeting, why not get to know your riding companions over an optional group dinner in one of the city’s many restaurants.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Havana - Cigar Factory Tour (entrance fee and guide) - USD10
- Havana Bike Hire - Ruta Bikes - USD20
- Havana - Morro Castle (entrance fee, no guide, no transport)10 am-9 pm - CUP200
- Havana - American Vintage Car Tour (No guide and transport included) - USD30
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. As the group is sometimes spread between several (but nearby) guesthouses your leader will leave a note for you explaining where to meet and what to bring.
During the group meeting, your trip leader will ask you if you would like to contribute to the snack kitty. This is usually USD20 per person. The snack kitty is spent on water, fruits and local-made snacks. It is not a compulsory kitty.
Please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel to organise your complimentary transfer from the airport.
Take a short drive to Vedado this morning to meet your support crew and be fitted to your bike. Take your new wheels for a spin on a leisurely ride from Outer Havana back to Old Havana, passing John Lennon Park, the Grand Theatre and the Capitol building along the way. Enjoy lunch in a nearby cafe before stretching your legs on a guided walking tour of Old Havana, taking in the four most historic plazas before heading to Soroa in the support vehicle. Known as the 'rainbow of Cuba', Soroa is a landscape of unique flora and fauna. Have dinner over sunset, then maybe head to a local guesthouse for cocktails and maybe a game of dominos. Be warned, the locals (and your support team) are fiercely competitive and have spent countless hours honing their domino skills!
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Cycling Outer Havana
- Havana - Leader-led walking tour of Old Havana
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours. Your cycling time will be approximately 2 hours or 12 km (7 mi) on mostly flat roads with an elevation gain of about 80 m (260 ft).
This morning, you’ll take a guided tour of the Soroa Orchid Garden. Set among seven acres, this oasis of flora features 250 plant varieties native to Cuba as well as numerous species of birds. After, you’ll hop on your bike and cycle west (on well-paved roads), sharing the streets with local traffic – tractors, vintage American cars, old Ladas and horse-drawn carriages. When you arrive at a hillside lake, you’ll take a break before heading for the San Juan River for lunch and a refreshing swim. After, drive to the small but renowned lakeside eco-village of Comunidad Las Terrazas – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to a lively art community. Grab a coffee near the main square then visit the former home of the celebrated Cuban musician Polo Montanez. Return to Soroa and spend the evening relaxing, playing pool or taking the opportunity to improve on your domino skills.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Las Terrazas - Eco-village Visit
- Soroa - Orchid Garden (entrance fee and guide included)
- Las Terrazas - Casa de Polo entry
Your cycling distance today will be approximately 24 km (15 mi) on undulating roads with a couple of steep hills, with an elevation gain of about 450 m (1500 ft). The road conditions are 100% tarmac – mostly in good repair but some are broken and in a poorer condition.
Drive to the hilly Cueva de los Portales, where the legendary Che Guevara stayed and trained the Western Army of the Cuban Revolution. From here, cycle on to the UNESCO-listed town of Vinales. Set among low-lying mountains, this beautifully remote area is reminiscent of the limestone karst scenery of Vietnam and is the perfect place to ride with very little traffic on the roads. Push your pedals a short distance uphill and be rewarded with spectacular views before continuing on to meet the delightful Mama Luisa – a seasoned farmer who will treat you to a delicious local meal. After, ride to a tobacco farm where you’ll meet another farmer who’ll show you how tobacco is dried and then rolled into cigars – here you have the chance to purchase this Cuban speciality directly from the maker. Jump back into the support vehicle and return to Vinales in time for a farm-to-plate experience at a hillside restaurant. The food here is 100% organic and grown locally, and although drinks aren’t included, you only pay for the mixers as the rum is free!
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Vinales - Tobacco farm visit
- Cueva de Los Portales entry
- Vinales - Salsa Dance Lesson (per hour) - USD10
- Vinales - Live music venues (entrance fee) - Free
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours. Your cycling distance will be approximately 46 km (28 mi) on undulating roads with a few steep hills, with an elevation gain of about 575 m (1890 ft). The road conditions are 90% tarmac and 10% gravel – mostly in good repair but some are broken and in a poorer condition.
After breakfast, drive to the Diego Rivera-inspired Mural de la Prehistoria. Painted on a cliff at the foot of the Sierra de Vinales, the huge eye-catching mural took 18 people four years to finish. From here, leave the towering limestone karsts behind as you cycle to Cayo Jutias, traversing smaller roads through dry and flat farmland, with barely a vehicle to be seen, until you reach white beaches and pale blue water. After your ride, stretch out on the shoreline and sit down for a packed lunch with fresh juice. Then, enjoy some free time to relax – swim in the warm waters or walk to the neighbouring beach where the locals often park their old cars on the sand. After some time to soak up the atmosphere, take the support vehicle back to Vinales. The rest of the evening is free – why not try one of the many live music venues or salsa the night away ata dance class.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Vinales - Beach excursion to Cayo Jutias
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Your cycling distance will be approximately 63 km (39 mi) on mostly flat and undulating roads with an elevation gain of about 342 m (1120 ft). The road conditions are 70% tarmac and 30% gravel – the majority of which are in a poorer condition.
After breakfast, drive to the nearby lookout point for a view of the Vinales Valley before descending to the flat plains where you’ll begin your final ride – cycling through rural landscapes, you’ll pass many small towns and communities on some of the smoothest tarmac in Cuba. Finish on top of a small hill, where you’ll celebrate with one last meal before re-boarding your transport for the drive back to Havana. When you arrive, bid farewell to your bikes and your support team before checking into your guesthouse. Make the most of a free afternoon to reacquaint yourself with Cuba's charming capital and maybe visit the Jose Marti Memorial Tower or organise a final group meal in one of the many paladars in Old Havana.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Havana - Jose Marti Memorial tower entrance fee - CUP200
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Your cycling distance will be approximately 42 km (26 mi) on lightly undulating roads with an elevation gain of about 320 m (1050 ft). The road conditions are 100% tarmac – mostly in good repair.
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you have not already organised a transfer to the airport, your guesthouse can usually arrange one for you – please discuss this with them the day before you need to depart.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
CubaMeals
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
Transport
Support Vehicle (Bus)
Accommodation
Standard Guesthouse (6 nights)
Included activities
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Cycling Outer Havana
- Havana - Leader-led walking tour of Old Havana
- Las Terrazas - Eco-village Visit
- Soroa - Orchid Garden (entrance fee and guide included)
- Las Terrazas - Casa de Polo entry
- Vinales - Tobacco farm visit
- Cueva de Los Portales entry
- Vinales - Beach excursion to Cayo Jutias
Optional activities
- Havana - Cigar Factory Tour (entrance fee and guide) - USD10
- Havana Bike Hire - Ruta Bikes - USD20
- Havana - Morro Castle (entrance fee, no guide, no transport)10 am-9 pm - CUP200
- Havana - American Vintage Car Tour (No guide and transport included) - USD30
- Vinales - Salsa Dance Lesson (per hour) - USD10
- Vinales - Live music venues (entrance fee) - Free
- Havana - Jose Marti Memorial tower entrance fee - CUP200
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Why choose us
We’re adventure travel experts with decades of experience and proud to run trips in over 100 countries.
We keep our group sizes small and our experiences big, so you can get more out of your travels.
Leaders don’t just show off a destination, they’re the heart and soul of our trips.
The Intrepid Foundation gives back globally and our B Corp status is proof that we're dedicated to creating a positive impact.
Before you book you should know
- This trip is open to all, including US citizens. If you're a US citizen joining the program, please refer to the Important Notes for more details.
- The guesthouses (casas) we use are much nicer than your average Cuban dwelling and each room is unique. Regardless of where you stay, power cuts and breaks in hot water supply are sometimes unavoidable, as in any developing country – but we believe that this is all a part of the local experience. To help set your expectations correctly, please read the ‘Accommodation’ section of the Essential Trip Information.
- To complete this trip, it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.
- This is a cycling trip, so it requires a moderate level of fitness. This being said, there’s always a comfortable, air-conditioned support vehicle following close by.
- Import restrictions make the purchase of new bicycles a difficult challenge. Our bikes come from a variety of different manufacturers but are all mechanically sound.
- On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a backmarker where needed).
- The Caribbean climate can be very hot and humid. It's important to wear the appropriate clothing, drink plenty of water and apply sun protection regularly. Lycra cycling shorts are ideal for warmer temperatures.
- Cuba's roads aren't always paved, but when they are, they can range from smooth to downright terrible. However, it’s a fun experience to share the road with tractors, vintage American cars and horse-drawn carriages.
- Cuba is different and that’s what makes it such a fascinating destination. You will find that things don’t always go according to plan or work the way they do back home. Regulations concerning foreigners and currency may appear strange to you, transport sometimes runs late and sometimes the water in your bathroom can run cold and the electricity fail. In order to get the most out of your holiday, a degree of patience, good humour and understanding is a definite advantage. Cuba may not be wealthy in a monetary sense, however if you approach your holiday with an open and enquiring mind, the warm welcome you receive from Cubans will ensure you a rich and rewarding holiday experience.
- This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out our Cycle Cuba trip.
1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so we can organise a suitably sized bike. E-bikes are usually available to request on this trip, however due to power outage issues affecting their recharging we cannot provide e-bikes at this time.
5. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. You are unable to purchase or hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home.
6. Travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers entering Cuba. You may be asked to show proof of your travel insurance by immigration staff upon arrival at Havana Airport.
7. Please advise bedding configuration requests to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel to aid guesthouse and rooming allocations. You may request your confirmed guesthouse name and address inside 7 days of departure from your booking agent. Rest assured, the transfer driver will know the address of your assigned guesthouse.
8. We recommend you bring enough cash to last your whole time in Cuba. This is currently the best option and will provide you with the best value for money. Please see the ‘Money Matters’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
9. For non-US passport holders, we recommend travelling to Cuba via Canada, Europe, South or Central America. Please refer to the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.
10. For US passport holders this trip operates under the “Support for the Cuban People” category (§ 515.574) and requires a signed and countersigned travel affidavit. Our licensing agreement only allows one night of pre-tour accommodation to be booked and no post-tour accommodation. Please refer to the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.
Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The "Add connection" feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.
Travel and visa requirements
CUBA GUESTHOUSES
We have classified guesthouse rooms into three standards for the comfort levels of our trips: standard, comfortable and premium. Most differences can be a little hard to tell at first, particularly when taking aesthetic into account which varies greatly not only between rooms but also between cities and provinces. Be assured though that the comforts to which foreign travellers are accustomed have been taken into account when classifying guesthouses.
You can read more about the guesthouse we use here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cuba-casa-particular/
Stairs are prevalent in Cuban homes. If this presents a problem to you, then please advise us at time of booking so we can request rooms on or closer to ground level.
For this itinerary, the standard guesthouse rooms will have an ensuite and air-conditioning however will not necessarily have a split system, an in-room or in-house safe or imported bedding.
PRE-TOUR ACCOMMODATION
We aim to confirm the first night of your tour in Old Havana however occasionally due to availability we will confirm it in either Central Havana or Vedado. If you book pre-tour accommodation through us we will also aim to book these nights in Old Havana. Late requests and requests of 3 nights or more have a lower chance of being confirmed in Old Havana.
POST-TOUR ACCOMMODATION
The final night of your tour may be booked in either Vedado, Central Havana or Old Havana. If you book post-tour accommodation through us, we aim to confirm it at the same property (regardless of the area we have secured) to avoid the inconvenience of you having to move. If you specifically prefer your post accommodation to be booked in Old Havana you must inform your booking agent and we will request this. You will need to make your own way between the final guesthouse and your post-tour guesthouse. Late requests and requests of 3 nights or more have a lower chance of being confirmed in Old Havana.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
POWER CUTS IN CUBA
Power cuts (apagones) are common throughout Cuba due to the country's aging electrical infrastructure. Scheduled outages typically occur daily, with schedules varying from week to week. Depending on local weather conditions or increased demand for electricity, the frequency and duration of power cuts can increase. Many guesthouses, restaurants, and tourist facilities are equipped with generators to maintain essential services during these interruptions. While this is part of daily life in Cuba, it rarely impacts the overall quality of your experience if you come prepared. We recommend bringing a small flashlight, a rechargeable personal fan, and a power bank (in carry-on luggage only), to ensure your comfort.
Guesthouse
Central Havana
Havana
CUBA
Description
Cuban guesthouses (known locally as casas) are similar in style to B&Bs, where families do not necessarily live in the residence. While some guesthouse managers and owners speak English, interaction mostly consists of gestures, smiles and ‘Spanglish’.
Just like the residences in your own neighbourhood, each casa is unique; expect there to be differences between the rooms you and your travelling companions stay in. Generally, there will be 1-4 group members in each guesthouse.
Each room has a private bathroom with towels, and some basic toiletries may be provided. Occasionally two rooms will share one bathroom. Power cuts do occur on occasion, meaning that hot water can’t always be guaranteed regardless of the guesthouse standard.
Instructions
A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met outside your arrival terminal at Gate D10 by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. If your driver is not immediately present, please wait at the designated location for their return. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator: +53 5333 8121 or +53 5438 9140. Our transport provider, ECOTUR, also have an office in Terminal 3 and you can approach them directly for assistance.
Guesthouse Assignments
Since we partner with small, privately owned guesthouses, our groups may be split between 2-3 nearby properties. We cannot finalize your specific guesthouse assignment until we have all confirmed guests and bedding configuration requests, which happens approximately 7 days prior to departure. This is why your Joining Point instructions do not specify a guesthouse name. If you do not have a transfer booked through us, or if you'd like to know your assigned guesthouse before you travel, you may contact us no earlier than 7 days before departure.
If you have a confirmed transfer with us, rest assured that your driver will have your guesthouse information when they pick you up.
LOCAL ASSISTANCE
We have a desk located in the listed address below; providing a 24-hour service with English speaking employees if any assistance is required.
La Gargola Guesthouse
1st floor
#82 Cuba Street
Old Havana (between Cuarteles & Chacon Streets)
+53 (7) 8605493
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July 2026
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